Hiring the right general contractor is the single biggest decision in any remodel, and it is worth slowing down for. Here is how to vet a contractor in San Jose, from checking the license to reading the contract, so you can hire with confidence.
Start by verifying the contractor's license
In California, anyone taking on a construction job above a small dollar threshold must hold a license from the Contractors State License Board, the CSLB. Before you talk about price, look up the contractor's license number on the CSLB website and confirm it is active, in the right classification for your work, and free of unresolved complaints. A legitimate contractor gives you the number without hesitation. Ours is CSLB #1142220, and you are welcome to look it up. A license is not a promise of good work on its own, but the absence of one is a clear reason to walk away.
Check insurance and a bond
Alongside the license, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation for the crew. Liability insurance protects your property if something goes wrong on the job, and workers' comp means you are not on the hook if someone is hurt on your site. California also requires licensed contractors to carry a bond. Ask to see current certificates rather than accept a verbal yes, and make sure the coverage is real and has not lapsed.
Ask for references and recent local work
Ask for references from recent jobs, ideally ones similar to yours and here in the area. A contractor who works regularly in San Jose and around Santa Clara County knows the local permit process, the quirks of the housing stock, from postwar ranch homes to the Eichler tracts of the valley, and the inspectors. Ask past clients whether the project finished close to schedule, how changes were handled, and whether they would hire the contractor again. If you can, see a finished project in person.
Read the contract before you sign
Never work off a handshake. A proper contract spells out the scope, the materials, a payment schedule tied to milestones, the timeline, and how changes are handled in writing. California limits how large a down payment a contractor can ask for on a home improvement job, so be wary of anyone who wants a large sum before work begins. Read the whole thing, ask about anything vague, and keep every change order in writing as the job moves along.
Watch for the warning signs
A few things should give you pause: a contractor who will only take cash, who pushes you to skip permits to save money, who cannot produce a license number, who wants most of the payment before work starts, or whose bid lands far below everyone else's with no clear reason. Skipping permits in particular can come back on you at resale and can affect your insurance. A serious contractor pulls permits, builds to code, and puts the terms in writing.
Choose a licensed local contractor
The best fit is usually a licensed local contractor who communicates clearly, answers your questions plainly, and has a track record you can check. As a licensed California general contractor based in San Jose (CSLB #1142220), we bring the license, the insurance, the permits and one point of contact to every project, so you are not managing a cast of subcontractors yourself. Our home remodeling service covers the whole path, from the first plan and 3D design through permits, construction and the final walk-through, across San Jose and Santa Clara County.
Planning a remodel in San Jose?
Start with a licensed local contractor. Tell us about your project and we will walk you through the plan, the permits and the schedule, with one point of contact from design to done.
Call (408) 208-0551 See Home Remodeling
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in California?
Look up the contractor's license number on the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website. It shows whether the license is active, the classifications the contractor is qualified for, the bond, and any disciplinary history. A reputable contractor shares the number freely. Avis holds CSLB #1142220.
What should a contractor's contract include?
A solid home improvement contract spells out the full scope of work, the materials, a payment schedule tied to project milestones, the start and completion timeline, and how any changes will be handled in writing. California also limits the down payment a contractor can require on a home improvement job. Read the whole contract, get answers to anything vague, and keep every change order in writing.
Should a general contractor pull the permits?
Yes. On projects that require permits, the general contractor should pull them and manage the inspections as part of the job. Be cautious of anyone who suggests skipping permits to save money or time, since unpermitted work can create problems at resale and can affect insurance. On our projects we handle the permit process and inspections for you.
Does Avis handle the whole remodel?
Yes. As a licensed California general contractor (CSLB #1142220) in San Jose, we manage the full project under one point of contact, from the first design and 3D plan through permits, the trades and the final walk-through, so you are not coordinating a plumber, an electrician and a carpenter yourself.